OGBENE GOAL SEES LUTON TROTT AHEAD

Bolton Wanderers 1 Luton Town 2

BY

CHIEDOZIE OGBENE struck the winner as Luton were given an FA Cup scare against League One Bolton.

The Premier League outfit were forced to scrap all the way in a pulsating third-round replay to secure a tie at either Everton or Crystal Palace.

They needed Ireland international Ogbene (above left, celebrating with teammate Pelly-ruddock Mpanzu) to nudge them ahead in the 57th minute.

But confident Bolton had their chances and were left gutted when Dion Charles’ second effort of the night was ruled out for offside in the 74th minute.

On an emotional night at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, tributes were made to lifelong Bolton supporter Iain Purslow, 71, who tragically died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest during Saturday’s home game against Cheltenham.

Members of Mr Purslow’s family attended as guests of the club last night and before an impeccably observed minute’s silence, the two teams came together holding a black shirt with Purslow and the number 71 on the back. There was also a standing ovation in the 71st minute of a thrilling Cup tie. Bolton got off to the best possible start when Charles fired them into a shock 11th minute lead.

Luton defender Teden Mengi slipped when challenging Victor Adeboyejo allowing the big Nigerian to burst forward and cross for Charles.

But the lead lasted only four minutes after Josh Dacrescogley gave the ball away and Jordan Clark supplied Tahith Chong who confidently finished. Adeboyejo almost scored with a remarkable 40-yard effort that had Luton keeper Tim Krul desperately backtracking to tip onto his crossbar.

But Luton took the lead in the second half when Carlton Morris got the better of Ricardo Almeida Santos to furnish Ogbene.

Evatt’s side refused to yield and came so close to taking it to extra-time but Luton held on.